Retirement Services Associate (#RB0805)
$29.08-$35.35 Hourly / $5,041.31-$6,127.75 Monthly / $60,495.79-$73,533.01 Yearly

Under general supervision, performs quasi-analytical and administrative technical work involving very difficult and complex account issues within the San Joaquin County Employees’ Retirement Association (SJCERA); assists management and professional staff by counseling members and researching complex retirement account issues of all types, including those involving deceased, deferred or otherwise inactive members; helps implement federal and state statutes as well as the policies of the Board of Retirement; assists with reviewing and verifying the work of subordinate staff; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This class describes the provision of advanced administrative support to management, professional and other staff in the San Joaquin County Employees’ Retirement Association (SJCERA). An incumbent assists with the analysis of retirement account issues by gathering information from various sources, researching complex issues, and developing/recommending options Work frequently involves unique and unusual circumstances that require considerable individual evaluation. An incumbent may also lead, review and/or verify specific work products of other office and/or technical staff.

• Assists and helps counsel members regarding a wide range of complex and difficult retirement benefit issues; researches and verifies pertinent documents relating to a member’s eligibility; computes and calculates benefits using standard and complex formulas; explains benefit options to members and beneficiaries.
• Processes the beneficiary benefits for deceased members.
• Processes and/or reviews purchase of service and/or other calculations done by lower level staff, such as Retirement Technicians.
• Processes and verifies reciprocity rights and benefits for members entering or leaving SJCERA-covered employment; reviews past employment information and records; determines if reciprocity can be given based on SJCERA policies and regulations.
• Assists and advises members who have terminated covered employment regarding the disposition of their accounts; explains options for withdrawal of funds; calculates and processes withdrawals as requested.
• Processes final compensation and years of service credit for terminated employees who wish to defer their retirement benefits.
• Prepares statistical and other reports; attends meetings; may oversee and coordinate staff working on special projects; may help train staff on specialized retirement-related processes.

Education: Completion of 60 semester units from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in business or public administration, finance, economics, accounting or a closely related field.

Basic principles of defined benefit retirement systems; principles and practices counseling and customer service; methods of researching, compiling, computing and presenting statistical information; general governmental accounting practices; effective oral and written communications techniques; computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, database, document imaging retrieval, e-mail and internet browser programs.

Research, interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing retirement benefits and processes; perform complex numerical calculations quickly and accurately using a variety of source records; prepare and interpret accounting statements as well as other financial records and reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships; speak, write and advise others effectively; provide quality customer service; use computers and other office technology tools effectively.

Mobility—frequent operation of a data entry device; frequent sitting, standing, and walking for long periods; occasional climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, bending, and squatting; Lifting—ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds; Vision—constant reading and close-up work and good overall vision; frequent eye/hand coordination; occasional color/depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity—frequent holding, grasping and writing; occasional reaching and repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking—constant hearing normal speech, talking in person and on the telephone; occasional hearing faint sounds; Emotional/ Psychological—constant public contact, decision making and concentration; frequent exposure to grief; Special Requirements--may occasionally work weekends/nights/overtime; may be required to travel; Environmental--occasional exposure to noise.